Kermit the Frog found in the wild

By Kate Hassett

Kermit the Frog found in the wild
Kermit the Frog's long-lost cousin has been found in Costa Rica - celebrating Save the Frogs Day.

To all those who grew up watching the bulgy eyed, forever perplexed stare of Kermit the Frog and wondered – where were his people? The answer has been found in the remote tropical foothills of Costa Rica – about as far from Sesame street as you can get.

Kermit has breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing of his long lost ancestors. After all, it’s not easy being green (and alone).

The frog, a new species of Glassfrog, is named Diane’s Bare-hearted Glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium Dianae) after the senior scientists mother – Janet Diane Kubicki.

It’s nickname – Glassfrog – is evident of its translucent undercarriage.

However, the discovery comes at a greater time in Frog history with today being International Save the Frogs Day.

Today is aimed at raising awareness about the alarming rate at which frog populations are declining worldwide.

Nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction and up to 200 species have completely disappeared since 1980.

This rapid rate of extinction is far from normal, with the natural rate being closer to one species every 500 years.

Their population is being affected continuously by pollution, infection diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and over-harvesting for pet trade.

Failure to act to save the frogs will result in irreversible damage to the ecosystem, with Frogs also holding an important place in human development.

Frogs provide us with medical advancements; serve as food for birds, fish and monkeys; their tadpoles filter our drinking water and they eat mosquitos.

To show your support, visit the Save the Frogs website to learn how you could help our amphibian friends stay safe.

Do we need any better reason to save these little guys from extinction? We think not.

What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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